The Best Medical Tourism Business Model

By Ines Flores


With treatment procedures becoming more expensive by the day, people are looking for viable alternatives. This makes the medical tourism business model a reasonable way of providing the alternative and something more. It brings together tour operators and medics with the aim of offering a package that meets both needs. The agency locates the best health facility and adds a vacation during the trip.

Business analysts indicate that the number of medi-tourists is rising every year. The options range from seeking treatment abroad to fly-procedure packages. When developing your plan, identify the area you would like to specialize and do your homework. The homework includes identifying what the competition is offering and how it can be made better, more convenient and cheaper.

Specialization is considered the best approach in entrepreneurship. This trend has been observed even at international level where nations promote a particular sector. India, for example has specialized in heart surgery while Philippines and Hungary are known for dental procedures. Turkey is a rising eye surgery power house with Spain taking the lead in neurosurgery. With this in mind, know the destinations that will give you better returns.

Health-care providers are central during the design of related tourism packages. You are required to create relationships with doctor and other professionals locally and abroad. They will facilitate your clients and ensure that health-care provision rules are not breached. Their guidance is required especially when making logistical plans for the patients.

Tourism and medical agencies might not have defined licenses and accreditation, but just like other businesses you require permits and licenses to operate. Some are issued by municipalities while others are by the state and federal institutions. Consider certifications and accreditation from institutions that give credibility to your operations. This places you a notch higher than your competition by giving you a professional tag.

Your success as an agency depends on how competitive your packages are. Consider what your competition is offering and identify what would make it more affordable, convenient and valuable. Do not reduce the prices by compromising travel, accommodation and logistical standards. This will affect referrals and return business. Satisfying your customers will increase referrals.

Commissions arise from offers made by stakeholders facilitating your clients. Negotiate favorable terms with hotels, airlines, resorts and spas to guarantee the best returns. The volumes you offer will determine what these stakeholders give as commission. It will take time to be profitable and therefore patience is required.

It is very dangerous to neglect the tourism promise you made to your client. Organize to have them visit exciting destinations along the way depending on their health condition. The entire trip must offer double benefits to your clients.

The responsibility of the agency extends to ensuring that all travel documents, including visas and passports, are in order. Make recommendations on exciting activities, accommodation and attractions and allow the clients to choose. Consider their condition and their budget as well. Explain existing travel advisories from authorities and expound on their effect on the planned trip. Expanding your destination range increases the flow of clients and prevents disappointment.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment